08-21-96PROCEEDINGS OF THE CITY COUNCIL APPROVED 9-9-96
CITY OF JANESVILLE, WISCONSIN
STUDY SESSION
August 21, 1996
VOL. 47
NO. 15
A study session of the Janesvitle City Council held at the
Municipal Building on August 21, 1996 at 6:00 p.m.
Council President Schneider called the meeting to order.
Present: Council President Schneider, Councilmembers Stehura,
Brien, O'Leary, Cullen, Noll (arrived at 6:58 p.m.) and Westphal.
1. Review of the 1997-2000 Long Range Fiscal Projection Report.
City Manager Sheiffer detailed the assumptions used to create the
projections. The estimated revenues and expenses are conservative
projections and may be used as a tool to assist Council in making
financial decisions. The City Manager estimated that the average
City tax rate increase for the next four years will be at 3~% er at
the rate of inflation. The Council asked various questions and was
satisfied with the report.
2. General review of the financial condition of the City. The
City Manager stated the City's most significant achievement was the
upgrade in our bond rating from an "AH to an "A-i" by Moodys. Our
overall financial condition is excellent with adequate fund
balances. Council asked several questions about the fund balances
in the General Fund and Special Revenue Funds.
3. Review of Proposed 1996-1998 Goals, Objectives, and Priority
Projects. City Manager presented the revised report that
incorporated the Council's requests. The Council offered the
following suggestions and comments:
Councilmember Westphal stated the City Council has the unique
opportunity to set goals for the City and should use their
collective power to develop a strategic plan. He believes the
Council should be visionary in setting the broad goals and
objectives and the City Manager should carry out the plan.
Councilmember Westphal moved to hold a strategic planning meeting
with an outside facilitator, seconded by Councilmember Noll.
Councilmember Noll offered to provide the facilitator for the
meeting.
Council President Schneider stated it was not necessary to vote on
whether to hold a strategic meeting. He will appoint a
subcommittee to plan the agenda for the strategic meeting and then
will schedule it at a later date.
Councilmember O'Leary requested a report comparing new street
construction with other communities and a report on reevaluating
the need for an Ice Arena. Also, he zequested information
concerning the distribution of recreational activities between the
east and west side of the City. He believes the southwest park
area should be a priority for the Administration.
4. 1997 Budget Review Calendar. Council President Schneider
scheduled the following budget sessions:
October 21, 1996 6:30 p.m.
October 23, 1996 6:30 p.m.
October 26, 1996 8:00 a.m.
November 13, 1996 6:30 p.m. (if necessary)
Council waived notice for the Special Council Meetings.
5. Matters not on the agenda. There were none.
There being no further business, the Council adjourned at 8:38 p.m.
These minutes are not official until approved by the City Council.
Jean Ann Wulf
City Clerk-Treasurer